| Amy E. Holverstott She was born Jan. 14, 1984, in Sacramento, the second child of James A. Holverstott and Patricia L. Todesco. She was born three months premature, and spent the first six weeks in the hospital before coming home to brother Matt and her parents at the family residence in Village Homes in Davis. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Thomas C. and Helen L. Holverstott of Citrus Heights., and by her maternal grandfather, James V. Todesco, of Concord. She is survived by her parents, Pat Todesco and Jim Holverstott, both of Davis; brother, Matthew J. Holverstott of West Sacramento; maternal grandmother, Lois J. Todesco of Concord; uncle and aunt, Jay and Robyn Todesco; and beloved cousins Brynn, Kensey and Gaeby, all of Concord. She is also survived by great aunts and uncles Ronald and Suzanne Holverstott of Roseville; Dolores Clark, Martha Moore and Lily Holverstott of Sacramento; Edith and Cameron Cramer of Roseville; Curtis and Lois Woodruff of Cupertino; and many other beloved family members. She grew up in Davis. She attended Davis Community Church, sang in the Cherub Choir and Carol Choir, took part in youth programs, loved helping her mother lead a Sunday School class for kindergarten-age children, and was baptized on Oct. 21, 1990. She attended preschool and after-school programs at Tender Learning Care in the care friends John and Shirley Huddleson. She loved attending Davis schools: West Davis Elementary, Patwin Elementary, Emerson Junior High, Davis High and Martin Luther King Jr. High schools, where she participated eagerly in studies, made lasting friendships with peers and teachers, excelled academically and played flute in the music programs at Patwin and Emerson. She received numerous academic and service awards upon graduation from Emerson Junior High in June 1999. She earned a college scholarship from the Yolo County Board of Realtors upon graduation from King High in June 2002. She played AYSO soccer as a young child, often with her father as coach. She enjoyed several years in the Brownies and Girl Scouts, with her mother as co-leader, and loved the Scouts' Camp Menzies summer camp in the Sierra. She loved studying ballet, first with Lisa (Corbett) Applegate, and then for 10 years with Katie Heil's School of Ballet. She took part in many ballet productions, from which she took great pleasure. She was invited, by audition, to attend summer study programs with the Houston Ballet and the Marin Dance Academy. She loved all animals, especially her pet dog, Muffy; she spent many hours volunteering for the SPCA. In June of 1999, she began a new chapter in her life; she voluntarily entered various programs for the treatment of mental illness. She eagerly and consistently sought information, insight and skills to deal with this new and difficult aspect of her life. She benefited from the care, skill and love of many programs, professionals and organizations, both locally and in other parts of the state and country, for four years. The Rev. Mary Lynn Tobin and Stephen Minister Joann Diel of Davis Community Church supported her with time and love. Miss Holverstott made many friendships during those years, and brought the sunshine of her caring nature and endearing presence to those relationships. She encouraged her family members to seek support, and was happy that they benefited so much from participation in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She pursued her love of literature and wrote extensively, especially poetry. One of her poems was published in an annual volume of literary work of high school students, compiled by a national educators' organization. Her dream was to share her poetry with others, as she did so many aspects of her life. She had begun preparations for publishing them. Frequent gatherings of her extended family, and summer camping trips in the redwoods, were important throughout her life. All whose lives were touched by her are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, at 2 p.m., in the sanctuary of the Davis Community Church at 412 C St., Davis. Immediately afterward, there will be a gathering in the Fellowship Hall. The family is grateful for any remembrances made in Amy Holverstott's name to Davis Community Church; King High School; NAMI, Yolo County Chapter; Yolo County Care Continuum; FamiliesFirst; Yolo County Mental Health; the Yolo County SPCA; the Amy Elizabeth Holverstott Memorial Fund; or any group that gives support to people and families struggling with mental illness. |